SC Volcanoes noticed their spectacular 15-match successful streak come to an finish after being held to a dramatic 1-1 draw by Gorilla Highlands Sports activities Membership in a heated FUFA Western Regional League derby at Mashaka Playground in Kisoro District.
The extremely anticipated encounter attracted hundreds of soccer followers, with each groups arriving on the venue earlier than 3:00 PM forward of the scheduled kickoff. Nonetheless, the match began 25 minutes late after match officers reportedly arrived delayed.
The opening exchanges had been balanced as either side maintained disciplined defensive buildings whereas cautiously constructing possession. Gorilla Highlands created the primary notable alternative by way of a free kick, however the effort failed to hassle the goalkeeper.
SC Volcanoes step by step asserted management by way of coordinated attacking actions orchestrated by Muheirwe Devis and defender Ikooza Derrick, who mixed successfully with striker Lukyamuzi Julius. One early attacking transfer was dominated out for offside because the hosts pushed for an opener.
Midfielder Magende dictated play in the course of the park, releasing winger Ndahura into harmful attacking areas, however Gorilla Highlands defenders Prince and Michael remained composed to disclaim clear scoring alternatives.
Gorilla Highlands almost punished the league leaders within the thirtieth minute when Sembuya and Kawenja mixed contained in the penalty space, just for defender Tumusime Henry to make a vital intervention.
Regardless of a number of attacking sequences from each groups, the primary half ended goalless.
SC Volcanoes returned for the second half with higher attacking depth as Lukyamuzi Julius repeatedly threatened the Gorilla Highlands backline. Within the 62nd minute, the hosts launched Sunny and Shaban for captain Mandela Alex and Muheirwe Devis in a tactical adjustment geared toward growing attacking momentum.
The adjustments revitalized Volcanoes’ ahead play, with Ndahura, Fiat, Shaban, and Sunny combining successfully across the closing third. Nonetheless, Gorilla Highlands maintained a compact defensive form and continued irritating the house aspect.
Lukyamuzi Julius got here near breaking the impasse within the seventieth minute after beating the final defender, however Gorilla Highlands’ goalkeeper produced an excellent save to maintain the scores degree.
The breakthrough lastly arrived within the 89th minute when Ikooza Derrick delivered a protracted cross into assault earlier than Shaban whipped in a cross that was clinically completed by Lukyamuzi Julius at hand SC Volcanoes a late 1-0 lead.
Simply as the house followers appeared set to rejoice one other victory, Gorilla Highlands responded dramatically in stoppage time. Maniraguha Junior silenced the gang within the 94th minute with a vital equalizer that secured a helpful level for the guests.
The outcome marked a significant enchancment for Gorilla Highlands, who had suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat in opposition to SC Volcanoes within the first-round assembly earlier this season.
Regardless of dropping factors for the primary time this marketing campaign, SC Volcanoes stay high of the FUFA Western Regional League desk with 46 factors and a superior aim distinction of +39. Gorilla Highlands keep sixth with 15 factors and a aim distinction of -6.
Talking after the match, Gorilla Highlands head coach Mukiibi Sulaiman acknowledged his aspect’s struggles all through the season however praised the combating spirit proven throughout the derby.
He described the outcome as a mirrored image of the depth and competitiveness anticipated in native rivalries.
SC Volcanoes assistant coach Serumanga Gavi Brian expressed disappointment with the draw, noting that the workforce had focused most factors from the fixture.
He revealed that accidents and sickness affecting key gamers, together with Alijuuna and Babuji, weakened the workforce defensively throughout the contest.
Serumanga, nonetheless, reaffirmed the membership’s focus forward of the remaining fixtures in opposition to Kihiihi Younger Boys and Rwenshama FC, in addition to the upcoming FUFA Huge League qualification playoffs.
In the meantime, the official trophy handover ceremony for the Western Regional League champions has been rescheduled to SC Volcanoes’ closing residence sport in opposition to Kihiihi Younger Boys on Might 24, 2026, at Mashaka Playground in Kisoro District.